Prophesize
/ˈprɒf.ə.saɪz/noun
To make a prophecy or speak as a prophet.
Did you know?In ancient Greek, a prophētēs was not necessarily someone who predicted the future, but an interpreter who voiced or explained a deity’s message.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰeh₂-
“To speak or say; the ancestral root associated with several words for speech and utterance.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
prophētēs
“One who speaks forth or interprets a divine message; later, a prophet.”
Late Latin
Latin
propheta
“A prophet, especially a person understood to speak under divine inspiration.”
Old French
Old French
profecier
“To prophesy or speak prophetically.”
Middle English
English
prophesien
“To prophesy, preach, or declare by prophetic inspiration.”
16th Century
English
prophesize
“A variant formed with the productive suffix -ize, meaning to prophesy.”
Modern English
English
prophesize
“To make predictions or utter a prophecy; generally less common than prophesy.”